Important Note: This guide is based on software and devices from Dahua Technology. If you are using cameras from other brands, the appearance of the configuration panel and the available options may vary.
Dahua cameras have a built-in defense mechanism against brute-force attacks (attempts to guess the password). If the camera’s operating system detects several consecutive failed login attempts (usually 4 to 6) within a short period of time, it will prevent further login attempts to that account as a precautionary measure.
The most common cause of this blockage is:
- User errors: Simple typos, accidentally pressing the Caps Lock key, or mistakes in capitalization when entering data manually.
How can we solve this problem?
If your account has been locked and you’re sure you know the correct password, you have two options:
Method 1: Wait (the simplest method; does not require physical access)
The lock imposed by the Dahua camera due to incorrect login attempts is not permanent. It is a temporary security measure that expires automatically.
- Leave the camera alone for about 5 to 15 minutes.
- Important: Do not attempt to log in again during this time. Each subsequent failed attempt during the lockout period (even if you enter the correct password) may reset the security counter and extend the wait time. Once the wait time has elapsed, simply log in with the correct password.
Method 2: Power Cycle (Instant Unlock)
If you don’t want to or can’t wait, the fastest way is to physically restart the device. The camera’s volatile memory will be cleared, and the temporary account lock will be lifted immediately after it restarts.
Steps to follow:
- Disconnect the power supply:
- 12V Power Supply: Unplug the standard power supply directly from the camera cable, or unplug the power supply from the outlet.
- PoE Power (Network Cable): If the camera is powered directly from the LAN cable (PoE standard), disconnect this cable from the switch or port on the recorder.
- Wait a moment: Leave the device unplugged for about 10–15 seconds so that the electronics can fully discharge.
- Reconnect: Plug the 12V power cable or PoE LAN cable back into its socket.
- Log in: Wait about a minute for the system to fully boot up. The lockout message will disappear, and the camera will accept the correct credentials.
